5 Weeks!

I can't believe it's been 5 weeks already! I wish my pregnancy went by as fast as this!

The girls had their 1 month appointment today and I'm happy to report that they are gaining weight and really growing! Ciara weighed 7lbs 11oz and Irelyn weighed 7lbs 12oz. They are the same height at 20 1/4 inches. Because they are preemies, the doctors do not have the percentages for them.

Irelyn looks good - she has her color back. Ciara we are still watching, but seems to be fine.

Lydia and Raya are adapting to being big sisters. Raya is a little over-protective of them where Lydia understands that whoever the person is near them, is not going to steal them. Raya will pull at the baby if someone is holding her and yell "no, MY baby". So cute.

Meningitis.....

Irelyn was admitted to Children't Hospital over the weekend with Meningitis. We're not sure how she contracted the virus but it could have been from anyone around her with a cold. Her immune system was not strong enough to fight it off. Ciara is fine and so are Lydia and Raya although we have to keep a close eye on the baby for signs on it.

Irelyn had a high fever on Saturday and the pediatrician told me to take her to Winchester Hospital. We were seen right away and tests were done including a spinal tap. Within a couple of hours we were rushed to Children's in an ambulance where they were waiting for us. All the staff that came near her had to wear gloves, masks and gowns.

Bacterial meningitis was ruled out yesterday. Today they released her and said it was viral meningitis. A hearing test was done and it came in fine. The doctors think we caught it in the very early stages and were able aggressively treat it.

I have to admit that I didn't even think she was warm, let alone have a fever. Sherri was over my house and kept insisting that she was warm. I just thought it was because she was sleeping and got a little over heated. When I took her temperature, after Sherri's insistence, I realized it was 101 which is dangerous in an infant. Thank God Sherri was here!! Not only did she insist on me taking Irelyn's temperature, she also stayed with the other 3 kids for 6 hours that day while we were in the hospital with the baby!! It was really a blessing that she was here!

Irelyn is home now and we will monitor her. I'll probably be psychotic now about people and kids being around the twins who have colds. I don't want to repeat the process of being in the hospital! My heart broke with her little arm with an IV in it! And she hated being touched after a while.....which I'm hoping she will forget about.

Ciara came to the hospital after Irelyn was on anti-biotics for a day and stayed with her. It was just easier for me to have them together.

Thanks to everyone who prayed for us and sent e-mails etc. It really is appreciated knowing how much support we have!!!